Sheffield Wednesday duo George Byers and Mark McGuinness may return from injury against Cheltenham on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Injury absence

Central midfielder Byers was starting to establish himself in Darren Moore’s side, scoring three goals in five League One starts. However, the 26-year-old has been missing for the last three league fixtures with a foot problem.

Meanwhile, defender McGuinness, who arrived on loan in the summer, has been absent in the previous four third-tier fixtures with a muscle strain.

The Latest: Back vs Cheltenham?

Yorkshire Live reporter Oliver Jones relayed an injury update from Moore ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Cheltenham.

He said that Byers and McGuinness ‘both might return against the Robins’, in what would be a timely boost following the midweek defeat to Plymouth.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Both Byers and McGuinness were starting to consolidate their place in Moore’s first-choice XI prior to their respective injuries and are rated in Wednesday’s top four 2022/23 performers, as per SofaScore.

Therefore, it would be welcome news if they were to return at Hillsborough tomorrow. McGuinness’ return could be especially timely with concern to defender Reece James in the week, while forward Mallik Wilks also missed the defeat to Plymouth Argyle with a hamstring problem.

Should James miss out, then McGuinness may slot straight back into the side, meaning Moore could have some late calls to make.

When Glasgow Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield swept home inside the first half yesterday night, Ibrox was bouncing.

It was a throwback to last year’s run to the Europa League final when the volume inside Rangers’ stadium was turned up to max.

It was the club’s first goal in Europe’s premier competition for over a decade and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s men began to dream.

Unfortunately, they were playing a Liverpool side with a point to prove.

Even without the likes of Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, Jurgen Klopp’s men more than had enough might to fend off the Gers.

That said, the game would change in the dying stages of that first period.

Roberto Firmino found the net after a corner into the box and then Connor Goldson was taken off through injury.

His absence at the back during the second 45 minutes proved to be game-changing for the Scottish side with Liverpool going on to win 7-1.

Firmino would find the net twice but Mo Salah’s introduction made it a rout. A six-minute hat-trick for the Egyptian sensation meant he had scored the fastest three goals in one game in Champions League history.

Rangers were watching records tumble before their eyes but it could have been different had Goldson stayed on the pitch.

Indeed, the English centre-back was a rock in the first half, sniffing out Liverpool attacks on his way to being described as a “colossus” by the Athletic’s Jordan Campbell.

He foresaw what would happen without the defender on the pitch, saying: “Huge blow for Rangers as Goldson limps off. He had been a colossus so far against Nunez. The applause as he goes off very telling. Can’t remember him being injured in his four years here.”

His injury meant Nunez would eventually score as the hosts crumbled amid a constant barrage of pressure from the Anfield outfit.

With Goldson on the pitch, Rangers were well in the game, something that was aided by the imperious centre-half winning 100% of his defensive duels in the game.

The 29-year-old took 42 touches during his time on the pitch, demonstrating an immense reading of the game with two interceptions.

Evidently the key man for Van Bronckhorst, his titanic display meant that remarkably, it could have been worse for Rangers on the night.

Goldson kept things respectable but his withdrawal ultimately cost them after a famous result had initially looked on the cards.

Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly one of the frontrunners to become the new Wolves manager but he could be a repeat of Bruno Lage should he make the move to Molineux.

According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Lopetegui and Bo Svensson have emerged as “top targets” to replace Lage, who was sacked at the weekend after his side lost out 2-0 against West Ham.

The Old Gold currently sit 18th in the Premier League with just three goals in the top flight to their name, with a combination of negative tactics and injuries in the final third seeing Wolves’ goalscoring issues from last season continue to haunt them in the current campaign.

Any new manager in the dugout will have to change the way Wolves are set up if he wants to solve the problem of putting the ball in the back of the net, so a move for Lopetegui makes little sense when you consider Sevilla’s less than impressive start to the season.

The Spanish side currently sit 17th in La Liga after winning just one of their opening seven matches, with seven goals to their name.

They are also bottom of their Champions League group after losing 4-0 to Manchester City and drawing 0-0 with Copenhagen, with another tough game to come on Wednesday when they face Borussia Dortmund.

Therefore, despite possessing one of the top sides in La Liga, goalscoring is clearly an issue for Lopetegui’s side at the moment and there is little to suggest that he could turn Wolves’ current situation around.

The former Spain boss averaged a shocking 1.43 points per game during his time at Real Madrid, which is nearly as bad as the 1.29 points per game averaged by Lage at Wolves, despite possessing what was undoubtedly one of the top squads in world football during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A 5-1 defeat against Barcelona also led the Spanish media to describe Lopetegui’s time in charge as “awful” and while they would qualify for the Champions League last season, the 56-year-old’s current form makes it hard to make a case for him being a success at Wolves.

It seems clear, therefore, that Wolves should avoid appointing Lopetegui unless they want a repeat of Lage’s underwhelming spell at Molineux. Just like the Portuguese coach, he has been incapable of driving out any inspiration in the final third from his players. It seems like a recipe for disaster.

Glasgow Rangers reporter for The Athletic Jordan Campbell reports that Ben Davies is ‘being assessed’ after complaining about an injury in midweek.

The Lowdown: Goldson blow

The Ibrox outfit were rocked by the news from The Daily Record on Thursday morning that Connor Goldson is set to face months out, after suffering a suspected thigh muscle tear in the 7-1 loss at home to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

He received medical treatment after a challenge with Darwin Nunez in the first half, hobbling off moments before the half-time whistle to be replaced by Leon King, eventually leaving the stadium on crutches.

The Latest: Davies ‘being assessed’

Taking to Twitter, Campbell has revealed that Davies is also ‘being assessed’ ahead of the Gers’ game away at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at Sunday lunchtime, after the central defender ‘felt muscle tightness’ against his former club in midweek, but did not want to come off:

“Ben Davies is being assessed for an injury complaint after the 7-1 defeat to Liverpool. Felt muscle tightness during the game but didn’t want to come off. With Goldson, Helander & Souttar out, King could be the only recognised centre-back available.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-5/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Crisis

If Davies is ruled out for the Motherwell clash, alongside Goldson and long-term absentees Filip Helander and John Souttar, 18-year-old King would be the only recognised centre-back available in the senior squad.

That will leave Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a tough decision to make over who he would now have to pull out of position to cover in that area of the pitch.

To have four of his five senior centre-halves injured leaves him with a crisis in the heart of the defence, which is certainly not ideal as they look to catch bitter rivals Celtic at the top of the table.

Former Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal has emerged as a candidate to replace Bruno Lage at Wolves, according to a new report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Wolves looking for new manager

Bruno Lage’s sacking was confirmed on Sunday after the drab 2-0 defeat at West Ham the previous day left the Old Gold in the Premier League relegation zone.

Attention must now swiftly turn to who will replace the 46-year-old in the role, with the likes of Julen Lopetegui and Ange Postecoglou emerging as early candidates.

A report from Portugal has seemingly thrown another name into the hat.

The Latest: Carvalhal emerges as Wolves candidate

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Carvalhal ‘would not turn his nose up’ at taking the Wolves job but isn’t interested in taking charge at Hull City, where there is also a managerial vacancy.

The 56-year-old is currently manager of Al Wahda FC in Abu Dhabi, having been appointed earlier in the year.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398117″]

The Verdict: Risky appointment?

Carvalhal perhaps doesn’t sound as convincing a prospective appointment as someone like Lopetegui or Postecoglou, given his inconsistent record in England in the past.

Granted, he did largely well with Sheffield Wednesday, guiding them to the Championship play-off final in 2016, but he was only at Swansea for half season before departing following their relegation from the top flight four years ago.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

Carvalhal has plus points – his innovative tactics have earned plenty of column inches and Sergio Conceicao once hailed his ‘stunning brand of football’ – but it feels like there may be stronger, more reliable candidates available than than a manager currently operating outside of Europe.

Glasgow Rangers may be struggling in Europe this season and progressing through the Premiership campaign trailing their rivals, however, there is cause for some optimism at Ibrox, especially with the quality of players that are coming through the youth system.

Last season, Alex Lowry, Charlie McCann, and Adam Devine all made their first team debuts, while 18-year-old Leon King made his under Steven Gerrard the season before.

It could be a fruitful generation of youngsters that can emerge and save the Ibrox side millions in transfer fees, with one in particular earmarked for a bright future…

Rangers’ new Ally McCoist

McCoist is the Light Blues’ greatest-ever goal scorer and aside from perhaps Kris Boyd, the club have been searching for a Scottish striker who can fill those godlike boots.

Youngster Robbie Ure has plenty of potential to give it a good go anyway, with the striker netting six goals for the B team in the Lowland League and UEFA Youth League already this season.

Van Bronckhorst gave the player his debut in the first team for the League Cup match against Queen of the South in August and he announced himself to the Ibrox faithful by scoring the opener in an eventual 3-1 victory.

Scott Arfield described the youngster’s performance up front as “magic” in an interview after the match and while he hasn’t had any further opportunities for the first team, they will come with time.

With a League Cup quarter-final tie coming up against Dundee on Wednesday, Van Bronckhorst might find the need to rotate a few players and Ure could well be handed some more minutes.

While the 355 goals that ‘Super Ally’ scored for the club might be a tad out of reach – although you never know – Ure certainly has the sheer predatory instinct and goalscoring hunger that McCoist had throughout his esteemed career.

Indeed, his nine goals in 21 matches so far during the embryonic stages of his career are certainly eye-catching and suggests there is a bright future in the game for the teenager.

There will be more chances for the player this season, especially with injuries and suspensions likely to come into play, and the onus will be on Ure to grab those opportunities with both hands.

If he is successful, there is no doubt he can generate the club millions in a future transfer fee. Certainly, if he lives up to the early McCoist comparisons, a large offer will likely be forthcoming from south of the border.

Leeds United’s American influence could give them the edge when trying to sign Weston McKennie from Juventus, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Leeds

The 24-year-old has struggled to make himself a key figure at Juventus, even though he has started eight Serie A games this season, so an exit from Turin could be imminent.

Leeds are one of the clubs who have been linked with acquiring McKennie’s signature as Jesse Marsch looks to bolster his squad options, potentially in January.

A new update from another journalist has further suggested that the USA international could end up in a Whites shirt.

The Latest: Leeds could have one advantage

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke backed Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta to sign McKennie because of the strong American contingent already at Elland Road in the form of manager Jesse Marsch, fellow players Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, and the stakeholding of 49ers Enterprises.

The journalist outlined:

“I’m sure Leeds will try and use that American connection to try and help any deal to get over the line if they do pursue a move for McKennie.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-53/” title=”Latest Leeds United news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Could certainly help

While the American factor clearly won’t be the only reason for Leeds potentially signing McKennie, it probably can’t do any harm overall.

The fact that Marsch, Aaronson and Adams are all compatriots could make it easier for the Juventus man to settle if he comes to Elland Road, and a move to the Premier League may also appeal to him.

It isn’t overly difficult to envisage McKennie joining Leeds, although the fact that he is currently at a Champions League club could mean that he wants the same elsewhere, having been described as ‘dangerous’ on set pieces by Clint Dempsey.

The Whites’ cause may also be hindered by their current struggles, which have seen them plummet into the Premier League relegation zone.

New York City forward Talles Magno has hinted he would be open to joining Manchester City in a recent interview.

The Lowdown: City flying high…

The Premier League champions have been flying high under manager Pep Guardiola as they seek to retain their domestic crown for a third successive season.

City are the only remaining side unbeaten in the top flight thus far with no side scoring more goals or conceding less than the Sky Blues (premierleague.com).

Guardiola’s side boast the unplayable Erling Haaland as part of their imperious frontline and it appears they are set for an entertaining title race with Mikel Arteta’s in-form Arsenal side.

As such, their pulling power keeps growing and growing, with New York forward Magno now hinting he would be open to making a move to Manchester.

The Latest: Magno drops City transfer hint…

Speaking to Super Vasco, as also shared by Sport Witness, the Brazilian has given an enthusiastic reply when asked if he dreams of a switch to Man City from their MLS sister club.

He stated:

“For sure, all of us who have plans and dreams to be achieved, when we lie on our pillows, we dream of it.

“I’m focused on my team, wanting to grow, focused, to win titles, but I have my dream of playing in Europe. It certainly crosses my mind, yes.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

Bagging eight assists and seven goals over the 2022 MLS season, the 20-year-old has been making waves across the Atlantic and he could be one to watch.

The former Brazil Under-17 international, valued at £9 million by Transfermarkt, is still very young and has been praised by MLS experts for his displays at NYC.

Forbes writer James Nalton, for instance, described Magno as ‘one of the best forwards in the league’ and ‘one of the best’ Under-23s players in the American division (Twitter).

If Guardiola sees a real player in the South American, it appears the door is open to make a potential move going by Magno’s latest hint to the press.

Leeds United are still being linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Lowdown: Late summer approach

The Whites left it extremely late in the summer to sign a new forward but eventually brought in teenager Wilfried Gnonto.

Leeds chiefs reportedly pushed to land Brereton Diaz on deadline day prior to signing Gnonto. Brereton Diaz, who is out of contract next summer, has continued to score goals in the Championship after a personal best tally last season, netting seven times in 14 appearances this term.

The Latest: New update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo regarding Brereton Diaz.

They claimed that Almeria, Sevilla, Valencia, and AC Milan are in the race for the forward, but Leeds and Everton are also possible destinations for the Blackburn star in a potential free transfer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-53/” title=”Latest Leeds United news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Shrewd addition

Leeds could well be on the hunt for another attacking addition next year, and providing Brereton Diaz’s situation remains the same, Victor Orta could look to lay the groundwork over a possible free transfer.

The 23-year-old, labelled ‘very intelligent’ by Chile manager Eduardo Berizzo, can play anywhere across the front three but is primarily a centre-forward, so could prove to be Patrick Bamford’s long-term successor.

Leeds will need to pip plenty of sides to Brereton Diaz’s signature, but it looks as if it will be one to watch over the coming months.

North East reporter for The Daily Mail Craig Hope has shared the latest injury news from Newcastle United involving Joelinton, and it’s what Magpies fans were hoping to hear.

The Lowdown: Pain troubles

Joelinton was taken off at half-time in the St. James’ Park outfit’s 1-0 win at home to Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian was replaced by Joe Willock after picking up a suspected knee injury in the first half, and concerns were heightened given there were reports of the player suffering ‘considerable pain’.

The Latest: Joelinton ‘fine’

Taking to Twitter, Hope shared a significant post-game update from Eddie Howe on Joelinton, claiming that ‘he will be fine’ for their next match away at Tottenham Hotspur, after picking up a ‘knock’ against the Toffees:

“Joelinton took a knock to his knee, but Eddie Howe hopes he will be fine for weekend.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Boost

It is certainly a boost for the Toon Army to know that Joelinton’s injury is seemingly not serious, and that he should be able to play a part against Spurs.

The 26-year-old has been the Tynesiders’ fifth-best performer in the top flight so far this season, picking up one assist and one man-of-the-match award, while he has also ranked highly among his team-mates in terms of average shots, aerial duels won, tackles, interceptions, clearances, key passes, dribbles, crosses and through balls per game (WhoScored).

In his new midfield role, Joelinton simply does a little bit of everything for his side, and there is no doubt that the Magpies are a better team when he is playing.